Regional Food Issues Book – Any Interest?

[Rich Klein]

The advantages is that the articles have probably been already written for SCD and thus no extra writers cost.

I'm glad there are no delusions on print run.

I will still say I anticipate a sell through between 500-750 copies

Rich

[steve B]

I'd be interested, but the final decision would come down to the book itself.

The chapters shown look like more of an "adventures in collecting" sort of thing, which I like if it's well done.

something with some depth and entertaining to read at a decent price point works for me. Or extremely in depth at whatever price. Interestingly enough at least a few of the more price guide like books about stamps have migrated to an online book. interesting progression, great catalog at $100 from the authors, no update expected- update expected, to be discounted for the original buyers - Updates sent electronically but free to original buyers - Catalog online and partly updated on occasion. Not so hot for those of us who prefer actual books, and spent the money, but overall better for a segment of the stamp hobby. (Specifically those who collect worldwith postage meter imprints- yeah, those machine printed usually reddish things that pay postage on your bills etc. Some of us actually collect them.) Talk about short sales expectations

Steve B

[lutherlafy]

My favorite sets are the mid 1950s regional meat & wiener sets.
Trying to get scans of all my favorite sets.
Still need a couple Esskays, several 1954-55 Hunter wieners.
Let me know if you think you might can help.
Book sounds good.

[insidethewrapper]

Will it cover regional sets or all food issues ? I thought Post Cereal was more than regional.

I think a complete food issue book would be good. This would cover all the regional meats etc. but also cover in depth Kelloggs, Post, Wheaties etc.

[Rich Klein]

I just received an email from Krause (F&W) with the 2011 Standard Catalog, the last one with "modern" pricing and the 2012 Standard Catalog for $14.95 each.

Three things,

1) At that price point, I encourge all hobbyists to pick up each book

2) Those prices also prove my point about book publishing. We already had a comment about how he would purchase this book at the "right" price. I think F&W will find that even selling 1000 copies, which to me is the absolute max at $19.95 retail won't really bring much profit to them. From reading the TOC, the only cost will be the actually printing of the pages since they still presumably own their own printing press in Iola.

As a corporation, I'd consider what the cost is to bring back the SC in full form at a higher price point and see if I can recover some of my monies that way. Plus after that, THEN prices can go on line for a fee as well.

3) I want it understood that I'm never against any hobby work -- but I don't want a work like this to be pubilshed at F&W to almost be a death knell. F&W could make much more money with some common sense.

Rich

[theseeker]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

Will it cover regional sets or all food issues ? I thought Post Cereal was more than regional.

I think a complete food issue book would be good. This would cover all the regional meats etc. but also cover in depth Kelloggs, Post, Wheaties etc.

I second this. Expanding it from regonial issues to include all the major food issues would greatly add to the appeal. Both the regional and national food issues have been glossed over in the past, so a book devoted just to them would work at a higher price point-- for me.

I hate with a passion what has happened to the publishing industry. Reading books, newspapers, hobby price guides, and magazines on line simply isn't the same in terms of its depth, scope ,and enjoyment. Just as the remote control added to the ADD problem, the internet ushering in the demise of the print industry is adding to the dumbing down of America.

[Bob Lemke]

Rich . . .

F+W does not own any printing presses suitable for books, newspapers or magazines.

Chet Krause, and Cliff Mishler after him, always felt that such presses cost more in buildings, capitalization, maintenance, personnel, etc., than they were worth. All books and periodicals are jobbed out.

They had a few job presses to do envelopes, letterhead, promotional postcards, etc., back 10-20 years ago, but I'm not even sure they remain.

[Rich Klein]

TY for the update on the printing presses.

Then I'll go back and add a printing press charge to the book.

I wish this book could be done and profitably for F&W -- my best guess is that a few hundred dollars will be made on the book now.

The only way to add to the book is to make sure the book is reasonably comprehensive and have a complete price guide for each type of food issue with lots of photos included.

I know the advantage is that the articles are already written for the most part, without being comprehensive this is not even a prayer for the mainstream.

Rich

[Volod]

"...I hate with a passion what has happened to the publishing industry. Reading books, newspapers, hobby price guides, and magazines on line simply isn't the same in terms of its depth, scope ,and enjoyment. Just as the remote control added to the ADD problem, the internet ushering in the demise of the print industry is adding to the dumbing down of America."

Good points there, John, and I agree with most of them, but how 'bout this: the target audience for such a book would most likely be collectors who are well past the age of youthful fascination with the hobby. That is, those of us remaining who recall mid-50's regional issues from our youth. And, speaking strictly for myself, my eyes lost the ability to adjust focus on most printed media a couple of years ago, as just a consequence of ageing. Text on a digital monitor is now the only type that I can comfortably read, with or without artificial lenses. That may, in fact, be contributing to my continued dumbing down, but, if it ends up being the only reading material available, so be it.

[theseeker]

Volod, I honestly always enjoy your contributions to this board and think it's great that this new technology is able to help with your circumstances. My "dumbing down" commit was in no way directed at you but rather the "instant gratification" generation and it's use of google search to put together it's school work assignments. A far more thorough depth of knowledge is provided by repeatative, traditional textbook study. Educators at all levels seem to argee-- the internet in many ways is a hinderance. This Counry's steep decline in test scores in comparison to past generations and with that of students from other Leading Industrial Nations has accelerated during the internets rise in popularity.

Having lived most of my life without it, I know I can't imagine life without the internet but, it has come at a cost. Diminished magazine sections, newspapers that are a shell of their former selves, and the less personal nature of this hobby are casualties of the internet age. There is a distinct danger of internet bloggers replacing most of what's left of respectable newspaper reporting.

As for the proposed book, I am surprised to hear that despite the hobbies demographics, a high quality product can't be cost-effectively produced-- not despite of, but because of the internet. The software used in today's print industry is inexpensive and user freindly. There are numerous overseas companies that will take on such a project from start-to-finish or by printing after the software portion of the project is completed. The transaction can all be done online. The cause of the print indusries decline could also be its salvation.